Seattle Hiking Committee
What we do
The Seattle Hiking Committee offers courses related to hiking and trail skills, sponsors events, oversees the Seattle Branch’s Day hiking program, and recruits, develops and supports volunteer hike leaders. Hikes are scheduled year-round, and in 2022, the SHC offered over 177 hiking trips reaching 907 unique participants. The committee is dedicated to developing a diverse, open and inclusive population of members, students, instructors and leaders.
OUr HIking Courses
CONDITIONING HIKING SERIES
This course is for hiking enthusiasts currently at the upper-easy/moderate level who are interested in challenging themselves by working up to strenuous, long-distance day hikes of 15+ miles. The course kicks off in March and requires participation in a minimum of two hikes per month and completion of a stewardship activity, culminating in a graduation hike in September. Participants can join optional weekend camping trips and other social gatherings. CHS is also designed to provide a small-group trip environment in which hikers can build friendships and community over time by hiking with many of the same people on each trip. All hikes are limited to current participants and former CHS graduates.
new hike leader seminar
Want to take your passion for hiking to the next level, strengthen your leadership skills, and get more engaged with the Mountaineers’ hiking community? This 2.5 hour evening seminar is one of the requirements to prepare experienced hikers to lead hikes for the Mountaineers. Participation in Mountaineer’ day hikes and/or other activities is a pre-requisite for taking the seminar. See below for the complete list of requirements for becoming a Seattle Hike Leader.
introduction to hiking
New to hiking or to hiking in the Pacific Northwest? The Seattle Hiking Committee’s “Introduction to Hiking” course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to hike happily, responsibly, and safely. Topics covered include selecting, researching, and planning a hike; essential gear; weather and trail conditions; nutrition and hydration; common hazards, and emergency preparedness. The course is free to members and $10 for Guests.
Trips
The bread and butter of the Seattle hiking committee are the day hikes we lead every day. We list over 100 hikes each year that happen mid-week and on the weekend. We travel all over the state and have trips ranging from easy to strenuous depending on your fitness level or interest level.
Learn about the difficulty ratings of hikes and don't be afraid to touch base with the leader of the trip to see if it is a good fit for you!
Become a hike leader!
We are always looking for new hike leaders to lead hikes. It's a fantastic way to meet new people, explore new places and give back to The Mountaineers community. Requirements include the following:
- Current Mountaineers member
- Attendance at a 2.5-hour new hike leader seminar
- Complete the hike leader application below
- Successfully lead a mentored hike
- Demonstrated competency in trail navigation
- Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Mountaineering-Oriented First Aid (MOFA) certification or registration for a course.
- Completion of the Low Impact Recreation on-line course
For more information about becoming a hike leader please email seattlehikeleader@gmail.com.
Apply to be a hike leader today!
want to help shape our programs for the 2024-2026 hiking seasons?
Have a passion for hiking? The Seattle Hiking Committee is looking for new members! We need folks with skills in marketing, training, organizing, communication, or just enthusiasm about getting involved and becoming part of a community. Meetings are held six times per year, mostly via zoom, and committee work is broken up and completed as our members' schedules allow. Please contact the current Chair or Vice Chair with any questions.